Terminal Cell Search in 5G Beamforming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, terminals face challenges in maintaining reliable communication when moving, as existing methods for searching and selecting the best base station and beam are inefficient, leading to gaps in communication due to the need for gap times to request and receive beam measurement signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow terminals to search for neighbor base stations and measure beams using synchronization signals and common control information within a frame, with the base station transmitting synchronization and control information in multiple beam orders and the terminal changing reception beams to identify the best beam for communication, ensuring continuous communication even during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the terminal changes reception beam directions to search for the best base station and beam, then the terminal can identify the optimal communication parameters, but the terminal cannot communicate with the current base station during the measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The base station pre-configures multiple reception beam directions and transmits reference signals in advance. The terminal uses these pre-prepared beam configurations to perform measurements without needing to switch beams dynamically, thus maintaining communication continuity while achieving accurate beam measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous communication during beam measurement by maintaining the connection with the current base station. The terminal performs beam measurements in a manner that does not interrupt the ongoing data transmission, ensuring that useful communication action continues uninterrupted while measurement objectives are achieved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal requests gap time from the serving base station to search for neighbor base stations, then the terminal can perform cell search and beam measurement, but communication with the serving base station is interrupted during gap time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requesting complete gap time for cell search, the terminal performs partial measurements during non-gap periods. The terminal uses a subset of available time resources to conduct beam measurements and cell searches, achieving sufficient adaptability without fully interrupting communication with the serving base station.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs cell search and beam measurement activities in advance during idle periods or using pre-configured measurement opportunities. By completing these适应性 actions beforehand, the terminal maintains communication continuity with the serving base station while still achieving the necessary cell search capability.
3Measurement precision
If the terminal measures signals in different directions by changing reception beam directions, then the terminal can find the best beam, but time is wasted in the process of requesting and receiving gap time allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal performs beam direction measurements continuously during normal communication operations without stopping to request gap time. By integrating measurement activities into the ongoing communication flow, the system eliminates time loss while maintaining measurement precision through continuous signal monitoring and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal autonomously performs beam measurements using its own resources and capabilities without needing to request external gap time allocation. The system serves itself by utilizing available signal opportunities during normal operation, thereby eliminating the time-consuming request-and-allocate process while achieving accurate beam direction measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method of a terminal includes acquiring frame synchronization for a serving base station in a first slot period within a first frame and searching a neighbor cell in a second slot period within a second frame.